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  MAINTAIN UNION WITH THE BISHOP
  by Ignatius of Antioch
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Summary: Maintaining unity with the bishop is crucial for standing
strong against heresy and protecting ourselves from spiritual harm.

Topics: "Church Unity", "False Prophets"
Scripture References: Matthew 7:15

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DESCRIPTION
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Ignatius of Antioch emphasizes the importance of unity among believers
as children of light and truth, warning against the divisive teachings
of heretics that can defile and spread corruption. He urges followers to
stay united under the guidance of their shepherd, Jesus Christ, and to
be wary of false prophets disguised as sheep who seek to lead believers
astray with deceptive pleasures. By maintaining unity and following the
true shepherd, believers can guard themselves against the influence of
wolves in sheep's clothing.

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CONTENT
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Wherefore, as children of light and truth, avoid the dividing of your
unity, and the wicked doctrine of the heretics, from whom "a defiling
influence has gone forth into all the earth."

But where the shepherd is, there do ye as sheep follow. For there are
many wolves in sheep's clothing, who, by means of a pernicious pleasure,
carry captive those that are running towards God; but in your unity they
shall have no place.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/ignatius-of-antioch/maintain-union-with-the-bishop/
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